2025 - 2026 "Peace and Harmony"
Worthy Grand Matron Deb Rickard
Worthy Grand Patron W. David Emery
2026 - 2027 Grand Officers
2026 - 2027 Grand Escorts
2026 Session Photos
Colors for the Year:
All Colors!!!Let's all Tye-Dye!!
2026-2027 Theme: Peace and Harmony
Deb's Details
- Song: 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
- Colors: All Colors/ Tie-Dye
- Flowers: Lilacs & Wildflowers
- Fun Symbols: Peace Signs & Puppies
- Honored Station: Organist
- Bible Verse: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
Dave's Details
- Song: You'll Never Walk Alone
- Colors: Red, White and Blue
- Flowers: Red Rose
- Fun Symbols: Trumpets, Eagles, American Flag
- Honored Station: Marshal
- Bible Verse: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
2026-2027 Grand Chapter Projects
Alzheimers
Both of our families have been affected by this awful disease. I lost my father to dementia. My mother and Dave’s sister-in-law are currently going through this, so it is fresh on our minds. Sue Bay has created a beautiful quilt for this project, and we will be selling tickets for that also. We are planning an Oktoberfest on October 10 at the American Legion in Anoka as our major fundraiser. We will be revealing a “Mr. Legs” contest then, which will continue on through the year. You’ll have to come to find out more about that.
The Minnesota Masonic Home
Our Masonic Home project will be to refresh the gazebo that OES built about 10 years ago. Right now, few people are using it because there is not enough furniture. This project would include purchasing additional furniture, outdoor rug, new ceiling fan, and other décor. This will make it more functional and inviting. Who doesn’t want to sit outside in Minnesota when you can?
Service Dogs
Service Dogs-support of Helping Paws
Most of you know how much I love dogs. And Dave really wants to do something for our veterans. Instead of
having two projects, we have decided to focus on raising more money for Helping Paws for veterans with
PTSD. I get panic attacks myself, and truly know how calming a dog can be. I have seen and heard stories
from veterans who have received a service dog and how it has opened their world. As part of our fund
raising, we have a beautiful afghan crocheted by the incomparable Bonnie McGinnis. Watch for those raffle
tickets as the Grand Family travels the state.
Masonic Cancer Center at U of M
We will continue to support our cancer scholar and the Masonic Cancer center. I don’t know of any family who has not been affected by this. I just attended a dinner with some of the doctors from the U of M speaking. The treatments they continue to pursue are amazing and promising. The dance dates are January 16 and March 6.
Challenges to Chapters
1) I challenge each and every Chapter in this state to initiate at least one new member this year. The Grand Chapter will support you in any way you need; marketing, doing Initiations either in full, or filling in where needed. 2) Get involved with youth. They are our future. First, let’s support our Fraternal Youth. We are having a contest. Every time you attend a Jobie or DeMolay meeting, get a signature from the presiding officer or adult supervisor. Jeanne Whetstone and Kaitlin Barret are going to provide schedules for meetings and events, and a form for you to gather your signatures. 3) Also, get involved with youth in your community. Providing supplies is always good, as long as they know where it is coming from. But try to get more involved. Can you volunteer somewhere, cook or serve a meal, or find a mentoring program? We are exactly the type of people who should be guiding our youth. Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness go a long way.